
John Daly Sets Unwanted Record at Champions Tour Event
2025-09-13
Author: Wai
John Daly's Record-Breaking Misfortune
In a stunning turn of events during the Sanford International in Sioux City, S.D., golf legend John Daly made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The charismatic golfer recorded an astonishing 19 on the par-5 12th hole, cementing his name in the PGA Tour Champions record books—but not for the accolades he usually deserves.
A Fateful Series of Shots
Daly's jaw-dropping score eclipsed his previous personal record of 18, established back in 1998 at the Bay Hill Invitational. That infamous round featured a wild sequence where he inexplicably hit his 3-wood into the water six times in a row. But Friday's performance was even more perplexing as Daly failed to capitalize on his tee shot, ultimately sinking seven attempts into the water hazard before barely escaping with his 19.
Breaking the Previous Record
This staggering score shattered the previous highest score for a single hole on the PGA Tour Champions, which was held by three players, including Bruce Crampton, who recorded a 16 back in 1996. While Daly’s history is filled with remarkable highs, this unfortunate incident will certainly be one of those unforgettable moments of his golf career.
The Final Score and Its Context
Despite his remarkable ability to recover after a rough hole—he made a birdie after his previous high score at Bay Hill—Daly only managed a par on his next hole, the 13th. He ultimately finished the day with an unsettling score of 88. Remarkably, his highest score on the PGA Tour remains a 90, recorded at the 2014 Valspar Championship, where he had his own battle with the 'yips' and a disastrous string of shots on the 16th hole, including several water hazards.
A Golfing Legend's Enduring Spirit
Despite this bewildering record, Daly remains a fan favorite due to his unfiltered personality and resilience on the course. While this latest mishap adds a curious chapter to his storied career, golf enthusiasts continue to admire his unbreakable spirit and passion for the game.